I have perused your recent communication, dated December
29th, and signed on your behalf by your vigilant and capable secretary,
with an interest and attention worthy of the paramount importance
of the issues it raises.

The matter of the revision of the English version of the Hidden
Words, in view of the rapidity of the sale of the copies recently
printed, is of urgent importance. I shall as soon as my multitudinous
preoccupations permit avail myself of the opportunity of Dr.
Esslemont’s happy sojourn in the Holy Land to collaborate with him
in any necessary alterations of the text. I strongly hope, except
in the event of unforeseen circumstances, to undertake this task in
the course of this coming month.

In connection with the fundamental questions of general policy
referred to in your letter, I feel that the basic principles, laid down
but briefly stated in my past letters, which must guide the administration
of the affairs of the Bahá’í Movement, pending the definite
formation of the first authoritative Universal House of Justice,
must be further affirmed, elucidated, and explained in greater detail,
for the complete knowledge of all the individual members of the
vast and growing community of the believers in America.